Senior of the Week: Beverly Oleka

By KAYLEE GONG, ELLINA KIM, and MAGGIE KOTKOWSKI

Loud, upbeat, and cheerful music reverberates from the practice rooms of the Goel Center for Theater and Dance. Rhythms intertwined with rich culture build an energetic and rhythmic style of artistic expression, and at the front of the room leads senior Beverly Oleka. She claps her hands high above her head, spinning and kicking her legs to the sway of the music. Lowerclassmen watch and imitate with awe, clapping along. 

As a four-year senior, Oleka is involved in many activities that impact the community positively. She is the co-head of Democratic Club and Afroshade, as well as a prominent member of the Student Alumni Relations Council and WeVision. 

Oleka described her journey to Exeter. “When I moved to America, I was constantly trying to figure out this new world, this new lifestyle, the people, the food, and the weather. I was very shy.” Oleka was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Pennsylvania mid-way through her childhood. However, seeking more rigor and opportunity, she applied to Phillips Exeter Academy. Months passed, but soon enough, a bright red letter arrived with Oleka’s acceptance.

Around three years ago, during the Equitable Exeter Experience (E-Cubed), a young girl stood before another door in Dunbar. Her hand was curled into a fist to knock, and the door placard read: “Sam Benochi.” After a gentle knock and a shuffling of feet, then-prep Benochi swung open her door to greet a smiling Oleka. “Hi, I’m Beverly! Do you want to come to my room later today?” 

Later that day, Benochi headed to Oleka’s room and formed a friendship that has lasted since. Benochi reminisced, “Beverly was technically one of my first friends at Exeter, and it’s sweet that we’re still friends now.”

Senior Jacquelyn Addo shared a similar flashback: “I met her through E-Cubed. I recall viewing her as really smart and put together. That is still very true today.”

Occasionally, across the dining hall or down the hallways, a bright, bubbly note of laughter can be heard. Spreading this contagious happiness and special laugh is Oleka. Senior Layla Whitaker described Oleka: “Sassy, uplifting, and her laugh. She has a very specific laugh that I like, and I think that’s key to who she is. Beverly is very outspoken; she won’t let who’s around determine whether she’s going to say what she thinks. She’s very sweet. She’s a leader.”

Benochi lauded, “Beverly’s a sweetheart. Everyone should try to befriend her because she’s so amazing.”

“She is really driven, probably one of the most driven people I’ve ever met at Exeter,” Addo praised. “If she has a goal, she gets it done, and she’s very mature. If I had to trust someone to do something, I would trust her.” Oleka is known for her diligence and time management. Addo continued, “For a lot of people at Exeter, it’s really hard to balance. However, Beverly makes a good balance.” Oleka sets strict boundaries and is the type to complete a large portion of work during group projects or “get stuff done.”

Benochi agreed, “She’s very productive and knows how to manage her time really well. She’s on top of her school work, but then she still finds time to have a social life and to give attention to her extracurriculars.” 

Democratic Club, We Vision, and PadUp are just a few groups on Oleka’s extensive list of activities. However, weaved between the hours of dedication and cheers of praise is her goal for change. “My work has always been about creating spaces where people—especially women and young girls—feel seen, heard, and empowered to take action.” 

Oleka explained her involvement in Democratic Club: “It is where I can create pathways for students to engage politically through canvassing, phone banking, and policy discussions.”

Oleka described WeVision as a place “where storytelling becomes a form of activism by amplifying women’s voices.” 

For PadUp, she said it was “a way to be part of a solution towards menstrual stigma and the lack of resources which hold girls back, even if it’s only in a small way.” All of Oleka’s time is well spent to better her community and affect the world positively. 

“More than anything, I believe in the power of education and conversation as activism. Whether it’s through political engagement, storytelling, or menstrual health advocacy, my goal is to give people the tools to understand the world around them and take action in ways that matter to them.”

As the music in her performance in Goel slows, Oleka looks around. Amongst her dance group, Oleka spots young and comfortable girls that reflect her past self, and she can’t help but smile. As she sways to the final notes, her goal of fostering empowerment radiates through the room. “Legacy is impact, not just achievement,” concluded Oleka.